Methods and apparatus for loading a trailer

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus are provided that load goods into trailers. The apparatus facilitates the loading of goods into the trailer, and optimizes usage of storage space in the trailer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to trailers for lorries and the like. Inparticular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates toloading apparatus for trailers and a method of loading trailerscomprising said loading apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional trailers are arranged to provide an enclosable space inwhich goods can be loaded for carriage. The trailers are usuallyprovided by substantially rectangular frames having one or more solidfaces. Trailers are commonly mounted on a chassis comprising suitablerunning gear, to allow for connection of the trailer to a tractor unitfor haulage purposes.

Various legal requirements are set for the dimensions and maximumcapacity of such trailers.

Conventional loading procedures for trailers include the use of forklift trucks operated with standard loading bays and dock levellers.

In order to maximise the capacity of a particular size trailer, it isknown to lower the base of the trailer between the rear axle and thefront hitch of the trailer. Such a modification generally allowsadditional tiers of goods to be loaded one above the other.

It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention toprovide apparatus to facilitate loading of a trailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a loading apparatus for a trailercomprising a platform, which platform, when mounted in a trailer can bemoved relative to a floor of the trailer, in order to facilitate loadingof goods into the trailer.

The platform may comprise a unitary platform. Alternatively, theplatform may comprise a plurality of sections independently moveable ofone another.

The loading apparatus may comprise a first platform and a secondplatform. Suitably, the first platform is situated above the secondplatform. Suitably, the first platform is spaced from the secondplatform.

The first platform may be movable independently of the second platform.Alternatively, the first platform and the second platform may be movableas a unit whereby their position relative to one another remainsunchanged.

Suitably, movement of the second platform effects movement of the firstplatform.

The spacing between the first platform and the second platform mayremain constant during movement of the loading apparatus along a portionat least of the length of the first and second platforms. Suitably, thespacing between the first platform and the second platform remainsconstant along substantially the full length of the first and secondplatforms.

Alternatively, the spacing between a portion at least of the firstplatform and the second platform may vary during movement of the loadingapparatus. The spacing between substantially the full length of thefirst and second platforms may vary during movement of the loadingapparatus.

Suitably, the first platform and the second platform are substantiallyparallel to each other when said loading apparatus is in a loaded orunloaded condition. The first platform may be substantially parallel tothe second platform during loading and unloading of the loadingapparatus.

Suitably, the first platform and/or the second platform comprises asupporting surface upon which goods are loaded. The supporting surfacemay comprise a sheet-like material, a grid-like material, a grill-likematerial or a combination thereof. Suitable materials for the supportsurface include metal, wood and plastic. The supporting surface of thefirst platform may be the same as or different from the supportingsurface of the second surface.

The first and/or second platform may comprise a plurality of sectionsindependently moveable of one another.

A proportion at least of the first platform may be provided by aconveyor. Suitably, substantially all of the first platform is providedby a conveyor. A proportion at least of the second platform may beprovided by a conveyor. Suitably, substantially all of the secondplatform is provided by a conveyor. The plurality of sections mayprovide a single platform or plurality of separate platforms.

A portion at least of the first platform may comprise an angle ledge,preferably, two or more angle ledges. Suitably, substantially all of thefirst platform is provided by an angle ledge, preferably by two or moreangle ledges.

Suitably, the angle ledges are supported above a second platform.Suitably the angle ledges are supported above the side edges of thesecond platform.

The angle ledges may be supported on a support framework. The supportframework may be connected to or independent of the second platform.Alternatively, the angle ledges may be mounted on side walls of atrailer in which the loading apparatus is located.

Suitably, the angle ledges are arranged so as to extend substantiallyparallel to the floor of a trailer in which the loading apparatus islocated. Suitably, the angle ledges are arranged to extend substantiallyparallel to the side walls of a trailer in which the loading apparatusis located.

The first platform may comprise three or more angle ledges. In thiscase, one angle ledge is suitably arranged above each side edge of asecond platform and the third angle ledge suitably extends therebetween.

Suitably, the third angle ledge is supported by two or more posts.Suitably, the third angle ledge is supported by a post at each endthereof.

Suitably the angle ledges are at least as long as the second platform.The angle ledges maybe longer than the second platform.

The first and/or second platform may comprise one or more support beams.The position of the support beams, in use, may be manually ormechanically adjustable.

Suitably, the first and/or second platform comprises a plurality ofsupport beams. The plurality of support beams may be separate from oneanother. Alternatively, two or more of the plurality of support beamsmay be joined together. If any of the support beams are joined together,they are suitably joined together at the ends thereof. Suitably, thesupport beams are joined together by supporting arms, which also serveto space the support beams transversely from one another.

In use, the support beams may be fixedly positioned in a trailer.Alternatively, in use, the support beams may be moveable between astorage position and a load bearing position. Suitably, in use, thesupport beams are manually moveable between a storage position and aload bearing position.

In use, the support beams are suitably arranged substantially parallelto one another. In use, the support beams are suitably arranged spacedapart from one another.

The support beams may be supported on a supporting framework, in use. Ifthe loading apparatus comprises a first and/or second platformcomprising one or more angle ledges, the supporting framework of thesupport beams may be provided by the supporting framework of the angleledges.

Alternatively, in use, the support beams may be mounted on is side wallsof a trailed in which the loading apparatus is located.

In use, the supporting beams are suitably arranged to extendsubstantially parallel to the floor of a trailer in which the loadingapparatus is located. Suitably, the supporting beams are arranged in useto extend substantially perpendicular of side walls of a trailer inwhich the loading apparatus is located.

Suitably, attachment means connects the first platform and the secondplatform. Suitable attachment means includes a strut extending betweenthe first and second platforms. The strut may be of fixed length.Alternatively, the length of the strut may be variable. Suitably, theattachment means comprises a plurality of struts.

The first platform may be movable substantially perpendicular relativeto a trailer floor. The second platform may be movable substantiallyperpendicular relative to a trailer floor.

The first platform may be movable substantially parallel relative to atrailer floor. The second platform may be movable substantially parallelrelative to a trailer floor.

The first platform may be movable diagonally relative to a trailerfloor. The second platform may be diagonally movable relative to atrailer floor.

The first platform may be simultaneously movable perpendicular andparallel or perpendicular and diagonally or parallel and diagonallyrelative to a trailer floor. The second platform may be simultaneouslymovable perpendicular and parallel or perpendicular and diagonally orparallel and diagonally relative to a trailer floor.

The first platform may be pivotally movable about a fulcrum. The fulcrummay be provided at one end of the first platform. The second platformmay be pivotally movable about a fulcrum. The fulcrum may be provided atone end of the second platform.

Movement of the second platform may cause the first platform to pivotabout the fulcrum. Alternatively, the first platform may pivotindependently of the movement of the second platform.

Guide means may be provided to control the path of movement of the firstplatform. Guide means may be provided to control the path of movement ofthe second platform. Separate guide means may be provided for the firstplatform and for the second platform. Alternatively, unitary guide meansmay be provided for the first platform and the second platform.

Suitably, the loading apparatus comprises actuation means. Suitably, theactuation means comprises a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism maycomprise a motor.

The actuation means may further comprise lifting means to effectmovement of the first and/or second platforms. The lifting means issuitably driven by the drive means. The lifting means may be hydrauliclifting means.

The loading apparatus may further comprise a conveyor mountable on thefloor of a trailer at the rear end of the trailer. Suitably, theconveyor is mountable substantially level with the floor of the trailer.Alternatively, the conveyor may be mountable spaced above the floor ofthe trailer.

A conveyor mounted on the floor of a trailer at the rear end of thetrailer advantageously aids loading of goods into the trailer.

The present invention further provides a method of loading a trailercomprising a loading apparatus in accordance with the present invention,wherein when the platform is substantially level with the trailer floor,goods are loaded onto the platform, the platform is then moved downwardsrelative to the trailer floor and further goods are loaded into thetrailer.

The method may include loading the goods onto a second platform and thenlowering the second platform relative to the floor of the trailer.

The further goods may be loaded onto a first platform, first platform isspaced above a second platform when the second platform has been loweredrelative to the floor of the trailer.

The method may include moving the second platform upwards relative tothe floor of the trailer in order to bring the second platformsubstantially level with the floor of the trailer.

Suitably, the second platform is raised to be level with the rear floorof the trailer when the loading apparatus is positioned for loading ofthe second platform. In this case, a rear edge of the second platformsuitably abuts the rear floor of the trailer.

The method may involve moving the first platform upwards when the secondplatform moves upward and moving the first platform downwards when thesecond platform is moved downwards.

The method may include loading goods onto substantially the whole of theplatform. The method may include loading substantially the whole of thesecond platform before lowering the second platform and then loadingsubstantially the whole of the first platform.

Alternatively, the method may involve loading a section of the platformand lowering that section of the platform before loading further goodsinto the trailer.

The method may involve loading a section of the second platform,lowering that section of the second platform then loading acorresponding section of the first platform. In this case, this processmay be repeated along the length of the first and second platform untilsubstantially, the whole of the second and first platforms are loadedwith goods.

The method may include loading part or all of the second platform thenmanually positioning part or all of the first platform in the trailerbefore loading the first platform.

Suitably, the method involves loading goods onto the rear end of thefirst and/or second platforms. Goods may be moved along the length ofthe platforms by displacement caused by loading of further goods ontothe rear of the platform.

Goods may be loaded onto the first platform such that when the platformis fully loaded, further goods are loaded onto the platform in order todisplace goods onto the trailer floor in front of the first platform.

Further goods may be loaded onto the rear floor of the trailer behindthe first and second platform. Suitably, the rear floor of the traileris not loaded with goods until the second platform, the first platformand, if appropriate, the trailer floor in front of the first platformare all fully loaded with goods.

The method may involve loading a first part of a trailer using a firstloading apparatus according to the present invention and loading asecond part of the trailer using a second loading apparatus according tothe present invention.

The first loading apparatus and the second loading apparatus may beseparate sets of apparatus. Alternatively, the first loading apparatusand the second loading apparatus may have elements in common.

The present invention yet further provides a trailer comprising aloading apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

Suitably, the trailer comprises a lowered floor in a section of thetrailer, which provides a well. The trailer may comprise one or morewells in the floor thereof. Suitably, each of the one or more wellsextends across the full width of the trailer floor. Suitably, each ofthe one or more wells has a substantially constant width along the fulllength thereof.

The trailer may comprise a single well in a central section of thetrailer extending from a rear axle towards the hitching end of thetrailer. In this case, the well suitably stops short of the hitching endof the trailer.

The trailer may comprise a single well in a rear section of the trailerextending from behind the rear axle towards the rear end of the trailer.The rear well may extend to the rear end of the trailer or the rear wellmay stop short of the rear end of the trailer.

The trailer may comprise a first well in a central section and a secondwell in a rear section of the trailer.

If the trailer comprises a plurality of wells, each well may be providedwith a separate loading apparatus. Alternatively, one loading apparatusmay be used to load a plurality of wells.

If the loading apparatus comprises a first platform and a secondplatform, a single first platform may be provided for all of theplurality of wells, whilst separate second platforms are provided foreach of the plurality of wells.

The loading apparatus may comprise a unitary first platform and a secondplatform comprised of a plurality of sections independently moveable ofone another, wherein different sections of the second platform arelocated in different wells of the trailer. In this case, the loadingapparatus suitably comprises a single drive mechanism.

If the trailer in which the loading apparatus is located comprises awell in the floor thereof and the first platform comprises three or moreangle ledges, the third angle ledge is suitably supported by a postextending from the floor of the trailer, the posts being located at eachend of the well. In this case, the posts may extend from within thewell, but alternatively extend from the conventional floor level of thetrailer.

When the first platform of the loading apparatus comprises one or moreangle ledges and the apparatus is located in a trailer, the angle ledgessuitably extend from above the rear end of the second platform towardsthe front, or hitching, end of the trailer. Suitably, the angle ledgesextend from above the rear end of the second platform to the front endof the trailer.

If the trailer comprises a plurality of wells in the floor thereof, theangle ledges of the first platform may extend along substantially thefull length of the trailer. Alternatively, the angle ledges may extendonly along the length of one of the plurality of wells.

If the loading apparatus comprises angle ledges that extend to the frontend of the trailer in which it is located, then goods can be loaded inan elevated position on the angle ledges at the front of the trailer.Thus providing an additional storage area between the front floor of thetrailer and the angle ledges providing the first platform. Additionalgoods or equipment, such as refrigeration equipment, may advantageouslybe stored in this region.

Suitably, the dimensions of the trailer are such that in the region ofthe one or more wells, standard pallets of 1000 mm×1200 mm×1650 mm maybe stacked in at least two tiers.

The trailer may comprise a fixed roof. The trailer may comprise one ormore fixed side walls. Alternatively, the trailer may comprise aremovable roof and/or one or more removable side walls.

The trailer may comprise insulated walls. The trailer may comprise arefrigeration unit.

The first platform may extend substantially to the front, or hitching,end of the trailer. Alternatively, the first platform may stop short ofthe front end of the trailer. Suitably, the first platform extends fromthe hitching end of the trailer to the rear axle of the trailer. Thefirst platform may extend to the rear end of the trailer.

Part or all of the first platform may be moveable between a storageposition and a loading position. The first platform may be manually ormechanically moveable between a storage position and a loading position.

Suitably, the second platform extends along the full length of the wellin which it is located. If the trailer comprises a plurality of wells,the second platform located in each well may comprise a plurality ofsections independently moveable of one another.

Suitably, the first platform and/or the second platform extend acrosssubstantially the full width of the trailer.

Suitably, the trailer comprises a drive mechanism to actuate the loadingapparatus.

Suitably, the area between the front end of the first platform and thefloor of the trailer houses the drive mechanism for the loadingapparatus.

If the trailer comprises a refrigeration unit, the refrigeration unit issuitably located between the front end of the first platform and thefloor of the trailer.

The first and/or second platform may comprise a conveyor along aproportion at least of the length of the platform. In this case, thegoods may be moved along the platform by means of the conveyor.

If one both of the first and second platforms is provided by a pluralityof sections independently moveable of one another, then each section maycomprise a separate conveyor.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention advantageously provideloading apparatus, which simplifies the loading procedure. Furthermore,the loading apparatus in accordance with preferred embodiments of theinvention provide a means of more fully utilising the space within atrailer fitted with the loading apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only,with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a trailer comprising loadingapparatus;

FIG. 2 is the trailer of FIG. 1 having the loading apparatus in adifferent position;

FIGS. 3 a–d illustrate the trailer of FIGS. 1 and 2 at different stagesof loading;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a trailer comprising an alternativeloading apparatus;

FIG. 5 shows the trailer of FIG. 4 with the loading apparatus in adifferent position;

FIGS. 6 a–d show the trailer of FIGS. 4 and 5 in various stages ofloading;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a trailer comprising analternative loading apparatus;

FIG. 8 is the trailer of FIG. 7 showing the loading apparatus in adifferent position;

FIGS. 9 a–d show the trailer of FIGS. 7 and 8 at various stages ofloading;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a trailer comprising analternative loading apparatus;

FIG. 11 shows the trailer of FIG. 10 with the loading apparatus in adifferent position;

FIGS. 12 a–d show the trailer of FIGS. 10 and 11 at various stages ofloading;

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a trailer comprising analternative loading apparatus;

FIG. 14 shows the trailer of FIG. 13 with the loading apparatus in adifferent position;

FIGS. 15 a and 15 b show a cross sectional view of the trailer of FIGS.13 and 14 in different loading positions;

FIGS. 16 a–d show the trailer of FIGS. 13, 14, 15 a and 15 b at variousstages of loading;

FIGS. 17 a–c show an alternative trailer comprising loading apparatus,in various positions,

FIGS. 18 a–c show another yet further alternative trailer comprisingloading apparatus, in various positions and

FIGS. 19 a–f show a trailer comprising alternative loading apparatus invarious positions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The trailer 2 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 a–d comprises loading cage 4.

The trailer 2 comprises a lowered floor area 6, which area 6 extendsbetween the rear axle 8 to the hitching point 10 of the tractor unit 12.

The loading cage 4 comprises an upper surface 14 and a lower surface 16.The upper surface 14 extends from the front end of the trailer 2 to stopshort of the rear end of the trailer 2, substantially above the rearaxle 8.

The lower surface 16 extends along substantially the full length of thelowered floor area 6.

The upper surface 14 and the lower surface 16 are attached to oneanother by means of a plurality of struts 18. The struts 18 are of fixedlength and orientation. Therefore, the spacing between the upper surface14 and the lower surface 16 remains substantially constant duringmovement of the loading apparatus 4.

The loading apparatus 4 further comprises lifting means 20 provided by aplurality of hydraulic rams. The lifting means 20 is controlled by drivemotor (not shown).

The trailer further comprises refrigeration means 22 located between theupper surface 14 and the front floor of the trailer 24.

To load the trailer 2 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 a–d, the loading cage 4 israised upwards by means of the hydraulic rams 20, until the lowersurface 16 is substantially level with a rear floor of the trailer 26.

Pallets 28 (see FIG. 3 a) are then loaded onto the lower surface 16 bymeans of a fork lift truck (not shown). When the lower surface 16 isfull, the loading cage 4 is lowered until the lower surface 14 issubstantially resting on the lowered floor area 6 of the trailer floor(FIG. 3 b).

Pallets are then loaded onto the upper surface 14, again using a forklift truck (not shown). Pallets are loaded on the front edge to the rearedge of the upper surface 14 (FIG. 3 c). When the upper surface 14 isfully loaded, pallets are loaded onto the rear floor 26 of the trailer(FIG. 3 d).

Unloading of the trailer is the reverse of the above process.

The upper surface 14 comprises a conveyor 30 to facilitate loading ofpallets onto the surface 14.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 a–d show a trailer 2 attached to a tractor unit 12 asillustrated in the previous figures comprising an alternative loadingapparatus 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.Like is reference numerals have been used to denote like features.

The loading apparatus 100 comprises an upper platform 102 pivotable atthe front end thereof about a fulcrum 106, and a lower platform 104. Thelower platform 104 is attached to a support frame 108, which supportframe is connected to the side walls (not shown) of the trailer 2.

The lower platform 104 is attached to the support frame 108 by means ofhydraulic rams 110. The upper platform 102 is also connected to liftingmeans 112, provided by another hydraulic ram. The hydraulic rams 110 and112 are controlled by means of a drive motor (not shown).

In use of the apparatus of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 a–d, the hydraulic ram 112is extended to raise the upper platform 102 at the same time as thehydraulic rams 110 are contracted to raise the lower platform 104 (FIGS.5 and 6 a). Pallets 114 are then loaded onto the lower platform 104using a fork lift truck (not shown).

When the lower platform 104 is fully loaded, the hydraulic rams 110 areextended to lower the lower platform 104 into the lowered floor area 6of the trailer 2. At the same time, the hydraulic ram 112 is contractedto lower the upper platform 102 to a substantially horizontalorientation (FIG. 6 b).

Pallets are loaded onto the upper platform 102 by means of a fork lifttruck (not shown). The upper platform 102 is provided by a conveyor 116to facilitate loading of the upper platform 102 to the front edgethereof.

Once the upper platform 102 is fully loaded (FIG. 6 c), the rear floor26 of the trailer 2 is loaded with pallets (FIG. 6 d).

Unloading of the trailer 2 is the reverse of the above process.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 a–d show a trailer 2 attached to a tractor unit 12 asillustrated in the previous figures, comprising an alternative loadingmechanism 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.Like numerals denote like features.

The loading apparatus 200 of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 a–d comprises an upperplatform 202 provided by a conveyor 204. The upper platform 202 ispivotable about fulcrum 206. The loading apparatus 200 further comprisesa lower platform 208, which is attached to a support framework 209 bymeans of hydraulic rams 210. The upper platform 202 is attached to thesupport framework 209 by means of hydraulic ram 212.

The rear end 214 of the lower platform 208 is guided by channel 216(indicated by dashed lines).

The front end 218 of the lower platform 208 is pivotally attached to arm220 of each arm 220 is pivotally attached to the support framework 209.

In loading of the trailer of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 a–d, the hydraulic ram 212is extended to cause the upper platform 202 to pivot about fulcrum 206.The hydraulic rams 210 then contract to raise the lower platform 208.The pivotably mounted arm 220 and the guide channel 216 cause the lowerplatform 208 to move simultaneously upwards and rearwards. The lowerplatform 208 is raised until the rear edge 214 thereof is level with andabutting the rear floor 26 of the trailer (FIG. 8).

Pallets 222 are then loaded (FIG. 9 a) onto the lower platform 208 usinga fork lift truck (not shown). When the lower platform 208 is fullyloaded, the hydraulic rams 210 are extended to lower the lower platform208 into the lowered floor area 6 of the trailer 2. The hydraulic ram212 then contracts to lower the upper platform 202 (FIG. 9 b).

Pallets are then loaded onto the upper platform 202 and the conveyor 204facilitates loading of the upper platform 202 to the front end thereof(FIG. 9 c).

When the upper platform 202 is fully loaded the rear floor 26 of thetrailer is loaded (FIG. 9 d).

Unloading the trailer is the reverse of the above described process.

FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 a–d illustrate the trailer 2 attached to the tractorunit 12 illustrated in the previous figures, comprising an alternativeloading apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention. Like reference numerals are used to denote like features.

The loading apparatus 300 of FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 a–d comprises an upperplatform 302 provided by a conveyor 304 and pivotally mounted about afulcrum 306.

The loading apparatus 300 further comprises a lower platform 308attached to a support framework 310. The lower platform 308 is attachedto the support framework 310 by means of hydraulic rams 312. The upperplatform 302 is attached to the support framework by means of hydraulicrams 314.

The front end 316 of the lower platform 308 is pivotally mounted of anarm 318, which arm 318 is pivotally mounted of the support framework310.

The loading apparatus 300 further comprises a floor conveyor 320extending across substantially the full length of the rear floor 26 ofthe trailer 2.

When loading the trailer as shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 a–d, thehydraulic rams 314 extend to cause the upper platform 302 to pivot aboutthe fulcrum 306.

The hydraulic rams 310 contract to raise the lower platform 308 upwardsuntil the rear edge 322 thereof is abutting and substantially in linewith the conveyor 320 (FIG. 11).

Pallets are then loaded onto the floor conveyor 320 and are conveyedonto the lower platform 308 (FIG. 12 a). When the lower platform 308 isfully loaded, the rams 310 extend to lower the lower platform 308 intothe lowered floor area 6 of the trailer and the rams 314 contract tolower the upper platform 302 (FIG. 12 b).

Pallets are then loaded onto the upper platform 302 and are conveyed tothe front end thereof by means of the conveyor 304 (FIG. 12 c). When theupper platform 302 is fully loaded the rear of the trailer 2 is loadedby loading pallets onto the floor conveyor 320 (FIG. 12 d).

Unloading the trailer is the reverse of the above procedure.

FIGS. 13, 14, 15 a, 15 b and 16 a–d illustrate the trailer 2 attached tothe tractor unit 12 as illustrated in the previous figures, comprisingan alternative loading apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention. Like reference numerals are used to denote likefeatures.

The loading apparatus 400 of FIGS. 13, 14, 15 a, 15 b and 16 a–dcomprises a lower platform 402 and an upper platform 404. The lowerplatform 402 is provided by a plurality of sections 402 a, b, c and d,which are independently moveable of one another.

The upper platform 404 comprises three angle ledges 406 a,b and csupported above the lower platform 402. Angle ledges 406 and 406 c aresupported against opposing side walls 407, 409 of the trailer 2. Theangle ledges 406 a and 406 c are supported on a frame provided by legs408, which legs are attached to the bottom 410 of the well of thetrailer 2. The angle ledges 406 a and c are arranged substantiallyagainst the side walls 407, 409 of the trailer 2, so that only the baseof the angle ledges 406 a, 406 c extend into the interior void of thetrailer 2.

The middle angle ledge 406 b extends substantially parallel to andsubstantially level with angle ledges 406 a and 406 c. Angle ledge 406 bextends substantially down the centre of the void within the trailer(FIGS. 15 a and 15 b). The middle angle ledge 406 b is supported on legs416 which extend from the floor of the trailer 2. The legs 416 extendfrom the floor 410 of the well of the trailer. The legs 416 aresupported by means of a girder 418 (FIGS. 15 a, 15 b), which girder isparallel to angel ledge 406 b. The girder 418 is located at a levelabove the maximum level to which the second platform 402 will be raisedduring loading (FIG. 15 b).

The sections 402 a–d of the lower platform 402 are attached to theunderside of the angle ledges 406 by means of hydraulic rams 412. Eachsection 402 a–d is supported by two hydraulic rams 412 at each sidethereof. Each set of hydraulic rams 412 is operable independently ofeach other set. Thus, allowing independent movement of each section 402a–d of the lower platform 402.

In use of the loading apparatus of FIGS. 13, 14, 15 a, 15 b and 16 a–d,all of the sections 402 a–d of the lower platform 402 are raised, eitherindependently or simultaneously, to be level with the rear floor 26 ofthe trailer (FIGS. 14 and 16 a). The front end 414 of the trailer 2 isloaded. Access to the front end 414 is facilitated by the positioning ofthe lower platform 402. The trailer 2 may be loaded using anyappropriate method. If a fork lift truck is used, the fork lift may bedriven over the lower platform 402 to allow loading of goods directlyonto front end 414 of the trailer 2.

When the front end 414 of the trailer has been loaded, goods are loadedonto the front section 402 d of the lower platform 402. The frontsection 402 d is then lowered (FIG. 15 b) to allow goods to be loadedonto the front end of the angle ledges 406. The second section 402 c ofthe lower platform 402 is then loaded and lowered into the well 6 in thetrailer floor. The next section of the angle ledges 406 is the loaded(FIG. 16 b). This loading pattern is repeated until the lower platform402 and the angle ledges 406 are fully loaded (FIG. 16 c). Goods arethen loaded onto the rear floor 26 of the trailer (FIG. 16 d).

Unloading is the reverse of the above described process.

In an alternative embodiment the angle ledges 406 a, b and c extend tothe front end 420 of the trailer 2. In this case goods may be loaded onthe first platform right up to the front end 420 of the trailer 2. Thespace between the front end floor 414 of the trailer 2 and the firstplatform 404 may be used to provide additional storage areas for goodsor equipment such as refrigeration equipment.

FIGS. 17 a–c illustrate a trailer 500 attached to the tractor unit 12comprising a loading apparatus 501.

The loading apparatus 501 comprises an upper platform 502 provided by aplurality of angle ledges, as per the embodiment of FIGS. 13, 14, 15 a,15 b and 16 a–d. The loading apparatus 501 further comprises a lowerplatform provided by sections 504 a, 504 b, 504 c, and 504 d. Eachsection of the lower platforms 504 a, 504 b, 504 c and 504 d isindependently moveable of the others.

The angle ledges of the upper platform 502 are supported above the lowerplatform 504 by supporting legs 506, which supporting legs extend fromthe trailer floor 508.

The trailer floor 508 comprises two lowered sections providing a firstwell 510 and a second well 512,

The lower platform sections 504 a–d are attached to the underside of theangle ledges of the upper platform 502 by means of hydraulic rams (notshown). The hydraulic rams are situated in channels in the support legs506 (not shown) which channels provide guide means for the lowerplatform sections 504 a–d.

In use, all of the lower platform sections 504 a–d are moved upwards bymeans of the hydraulic rams to be level with the trailer floor 508 (asshown in FIG. 17 b). Goods may then be loaded onto the upper platform502 at the hitching end 514 of the trailer 2. When the upper platform502 has been loaded up to the region of the first well 510, the lowerplatform sections 504 a and 504 b in the first well 510 are loaded. Thelower platform sections 504 a and 504 b are lowered once fully loaded tothe bottom of the first well 510 and loading of the upper platform 502continues.

When the upper platform 502 is loaded up to the second well 512 sections504 c and 504 d of the lower platform are is loaded. These sections arelowered to the bottom of the second well 512 when fully loaded andloading of the upper platform 502 continues.

FIG. 17 c shows the trailer 2 when fully loaded.

FIGS. 18 a, b and c show an alternative trailer design. The design ofFIGS. 18 a, b and c is essentially the same as FIGS. 17 a, b and cexcept the second well 600 of FIGS. 18 a, b and c is smaller than thesecond well 512 of FIGS. 17 a, b and c.

FIG. 18 a shows the loading apparatus with the lower platforms 602 a, band c lowered. FIG. 18 b shows the loading apparatus with the lowerplatforms 602 a, b and c raised for loading. FIG. 18 c, shows thetrailer fully loaded.

FIGS. 19 a–e show a further embodiment of the present invention, inwhich a truck 12 is hitched to a trailer 700 comprising first loadingapparatus 702 and second loading apparatus 704.

The trailer 700 has a first lowered floor section 706 providing a firstwell 708 and a second lowered floor section 710 providing a second well712.

The first loading apparatus 702 comprises a first platform provided bymanually adjustable support beams 716 and a plurality of second platformsections 714 a–c. The support beams 716 can be removed to a storageposition during loading of the front section 718 of the trailer. Thestorage position (see FIGS. 19 a and 19 b) is towards the rear of thetrailer at an elevation above the floor 720 of the trailer 700 higherthan that required by a fork lift truck for loading the trailer 700.

The second loading apparatus comprises a first platform provided bysupport beams 722, which can also be moved to a storage position duringloading of the trailer, and a second platform 723.

To load the trailer 700 (FIG. 19 b), the second platform sections 714a–c and 723 are raised to be substantially level with the floor sections718 and 720 of the trailer 700. Pallets 724 are then loaded, by means ofa fork lift truck (not shown) onto the front floor section 718 of thetrailer and the adjacent section 714 c of the second platform of thefirst loading apparatus 702.

The loaded section 714 c of the second platform of the first loadingapparatus 702 is then lowered onto the floor 706 of the well 708. Twosupport beams 716 are then manually moved from the storage position (seeFIGS. 19 a and 19 b) to a loading position above the loaded section ofthe second platform 714 c. A pallet is then loaded onto the portion ofthe first platform of the first loading apparatus 702 provided by thesupport beams 716.

A pallet is then loaded onto the adjacent section 714 b of the secondplatform of the first loading apparatus 702 and this platform section714 b is then lowered to the floor 706 of the well 708. This process isrepeated until all of the second 716 and first platform 714 a–c of thefirst loading apparatus 702 has been loaded with pallets (as shown inFIG. 19 d).

The floor area 720 of the trailer 700 is then loaded with pallets andthe adjacent second platform 723 of the second loading apparatus 704 isalso loaded (as shown in FIG. 19 e).

Once the second platform 723 of the second loading apparatus 706 hasbeen lowered to the floor 710 of the well 712, the support beams 722 aremanually moved from the storage position to a loading position toprovide a first platform. A pallet is then loaded onto the secondplatform to complete loading of the trailer 700.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which arefiled concurrently with or previous to this specification in connectionwith this application and which are open to public inspection with thisspecification, and the contents of all such papers and documents areincorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including anyaccompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps ofany method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination,except combinations where at least some of such features and/or stepsare mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanyingclaims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative featuresserving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoingembodiment(s). The invention extend to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

1. A trailer suitable for loading by a fork lift truck, the trailer comprising a forward floor section at a floor height, a rearward floor section at the floor height and a first lowered floor section at a lower height arranged between the forward and rearward floor sections so as to define a well therebetween, a first platform and a second platform, the second platform being movably received in the well and being movable between a platform lower position in which the second platform is positioned between said floor height and said lower height, and a platform upper position in which the second platform is arranged substantially at said floor height, wherein said first and second platforms are capable of carrying a load, the second platform being movable independently of the first platform, wherein the first platform is defined by a plurality of separate support beams, each separate support beam having an upper surface, the upper surfaces combining to define a main surface on which a load is supported, the support beams being separately movable between a storage position and a load-bearing position, the load bearing position of the first platform being above the second platform, the forward and rearward floor sections and the second platform being traversable by a fork lift whereby, with the second platform in the platform upper position and the first platform in the storage position, a fork lift truck may traverse the rearward floor section and second platform to allow lift truck loading access to the forward floor section and, with the second platform in the platform lower position, the first platform may be arranged in the load-bearing position.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first platform is movable independently of the second platform.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein guide means are provided to control the path of movement of the first or second platform.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support beams in the storage position are spaced horizontally from the second platform.
 5. A trailer according to claim 1, wherein a second lowered floor section at a second lower height is arranged rearwardly of the rearward floor section, to define a rear well, a further second platform being movably received in the rear well and being movable between a further platform lower position in which the further second platform is positioned between the second lower height and the floor height, and a further platform upper position in which the further second platform is arranged substantially at said floor height, the further second platform being traversable by a fork lift truck when in the further platform upper position. 